CVE-2008-0312 in Norton System Works
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the AutoFix Support Tool ActiveX control 2.7.0.1 in SYMADATA.DLL in multiple Symantec Norton products, including Norton 360 1.0, AntiVirus 2006 through 2008, Internet Security 2006 through 2008, and System Works 2006 through 2008, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long argument to the GetEventLogInfo method. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0312 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow affecting Symantec Norton products through version 2008. This flaw exists within the AutoFix Support Tool ActiveX control version 2.7.0.1, specifically in the SYMADATA.DLL component that is integral to multiple Symantec security suites. The vulnerability manifests when the GetEventLogInfo method receives an excessively long argument, creating conditions where memory corruption occurs in the program's stack memory region. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates a classic buffer overflow vulnerability that falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across a broad spectrum of Symantec products including Norton 360 version 1.0, various AntiVirus 2006 through 2008 versions, Internet Security 2006 through 2008, and System Works 2006 through 2008 releases. Attackers can exploit this weakness remotely by crafting malicious arguments to the vulnerable GetEventLogInfo method, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected application. The attack vector leverages the ActiveX control's interaction with web browsers or other applications that load and execute ActiveX components, making it particularly dangerous in web-based attack scenarios. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers the execution of malicious code through ActiveX controls and COM objects.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow requires careful manipulation of memory layout to overwrite return addresses or other critical stack variables, enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Symantec products indicates a widespread issue affecting the company's security infrastructure, potentially compromising user systems that have these outdated components installed. The attack scenario typically involves delivering a malicious web page or document containing the crafted ActiveX control that triggers the vulnerable method when executed in a browser context. This exploitation pattern fits within the broader ATT&CK framework's T1203 category, which encompasses the use of malicious ActiveX controls for privilege escalation and code execution. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including disabling ActiveX controls in web browsers, applying available patches from Symantec, and monitoring for suspicious network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in component-based applications, particularly those handling user-supplied data through interfaces designed for system-level operations.